From Farm to Table: How Local Farmers Can Feed Our Cities

Since moving to Medellín, the one thing I have cherished, and that many people have commented on, is how healthy I look. One of the reasons I can point to for my better health is the amount of organic and natural food that I am eating.

A Partnership Between City and Farmer

Since arriving here, I have recognized the value of municipalities forming partnerships with local farmers to bring their produce from farm to table. The municipal government in Medellín has a program that works with local farmers to bring natural, organic fruits and vegetables to the homes and tables of those living in the city.

Individual building complexes, or different areas, for example outside a shopping mall in a parking lot, are designated as places where local citizens can shop for fresh fruits and vegetables. A market like this visits my building complex every week.

Living in Colombia has taught me something. In the West, and I say this as a Canadian, we are often unaware of how much innovation exists in other countries. I have always been impressed by how innovative Colombia is, in its planning, its ecology, and programs like Mercados Campesinos, which has been connecting Medellín's rural farmers with city residents for decades.

Fresh, Affordable, and Direct

Not only does this put money directly into the farmers' hands, it also makes produce more affordable for local residents. The food doesn't sit on shelves. It is often freshly picked, still with the fresh dirt on the vegetables.

How It Has Changed My Life

Not only has it saved me trips to the grocery store, I am thrilled to speak with the local farmers. They give me tips on how to keep my produce from spoiling and keep it fresher longer. They also share different recipes and remedies that locals use to help with different ailments.

In modern society, we have often lost this important education, and it is time to bring it back.

Not only is this a blessing in the way of having regular produce, but I have been able to build connections with these beautiful farmers who visit me every week. They have even invited me to come visit their farm.

Protecting Local Farms for Future Generations

In a world where, in some countries, the wealthy are buying up property not to share it with its citizens but simply to occupy it, the ability of locals to find affordable food is being further reduced. Programs like this one support local farmers and help them keep their farms, which are often owned from generation to generation.

I am also concerned by reports that families in some countries feel their fruits and vegetables no longer seem fresh, authentic, or safe. Produce that travels long distances and sits in storage can lose its texture and quality, which is another reason I value food that goes straight from the farm to my table.

Our planet has the ability to feed humanity. The question is how we are using the land, and whether we are being responsible citizens in ensuring that farming is done effectively and ecologically responsibly. If we support our local farmers, who have been farming from generation to generation and understand the planet, we can benefit from what they have been taught, things that even modern science is often not aware of.

A Call to Action

It is time that we as citizens start speaking to our local governments and insist that they support local farmers. Programs such as the one that visits my building complex every week should be implemented in cities everywhere.

That way, farmers can keep their farm properties and maintain their livelihoods for their families, and in turn feed the families in cities around the world in a more sustainable way.

The farmers were excited when they saw me taking pictures. They knew I wanted to share their work, and it speaks to the pride they take in what they do. Whenever I talk to them, I tell them how much more secure I feel, knowing that no matter what happens with world conditions, the farmers will always care to help feed us, and that somehow we will figure it out together. They agreed with me.

This is where we sometimes miss the value of the work they do. It is not only when things are good, but also in times of crisis that we help one another. We are neighbors.

I believe we can all learn from one another.

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